Union Govt clarifies “Bike Taxis” lack Legal Status under Motor Vehicles Act

The Union government has confirmed that “bike taxis” are not recognised under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and therefore do not enjoy a separate legal status. While states may regulate such services under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, the clarification underscores that enforcement and oversight of two-wheeler transport rests entirely with State authorities.

Responding to a Rajya Sabha query on March 18, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari explained that the term “bike taxi” has no statutory definition, though the 2025 Aggregator Guidelines allow states to facilitate shared two-wheeler transport for passenger mobility. The framework aims to improve affordability, generate livelihoods, and reduce congestion and pollution.

The Ministry also noted it does not maintain separate data for bike taxis, relying instead on the Vahan database for registered two-wheeler transport vehicles, which numbered 16,736 in 2023 and 20,111 in 2025. Accident statistics for bike taxis are not separately recorded; aggregate two-wheeler accident figures rose from 43,922 in 2023 to 51,521 in 2025, involving 1,69,641 people.

The Ministry highlighted that “bike taxis” fall outside Central law and enforcement of transport and road safety rules remains a state subject. The clarification reinforces that while regulatory frameworks exist, no specific legal recognition or central oversight exists for these services. States retain the authority to permit or restrict bike taxi operations and manage compliance.